Description: The beloved author of "The Cloister Walk" takes readers on a moving journey in this thoroughly original investigation of faith. Taking as her starting point the "scary words" that can intimidate and distance us from our religious heritage--words like "judgment, faith, dogma, salvation", and "sinner"--Norris blends history, theology, storytelling, etymology, and memoir to reflect on their meanings.
Review Quotes: "An engaging meditation on the language of faith."--The New York Times Book Review
"It's hard to imagine less off-putting or pious writing about religion than this sublimely commonsensical lexicon of words and concepts that, as Kathleen Norris explains them, have rarely sounded less frightening--or quite so simple to understand."--Elle
"Definitely worthwhile reading... She combines an impressive understanding of theology with personal experience, making her essays read like letters from a highly literate friend."--People
"A unique and glorious voice."--Boston Globe "[Kathleen Norris] writes about religion with the imagination of a poet."--Chicago Tribune "One of the most eloquent yet earthbound spiritual writers of our time...frequently irreverent and funny... She makes us converts to her simple faith of warmth." --San Francisco Chronicle